It’s that time of year! Here in the Midwest, it’s time to queue up Spring projects. An area many overlook is the garage! Your garage door typically takes up to 40 percent of the front of your house making it a huge part of your home’s first impression. Something like rust can put a huge dent in your home’s curb appeal.
If you notice rust on your garage door it’s important to approach the problem as soon as possible. While a rusty garage door can give a less-than-ideal impression of your home, it can also be the source of some costly repairs. Rust left unresolved will only get worse.
Most modern garages have rust-resistant sealants, but over time even those sealants diminish. In most cases, this is a sign it’s time for a new garage door. While you’re gearing up to replace your door, or if you’re trying to maintain a very small affected area we have some tips to hold you over.
What Will I Need?
The first step in repairing your garage door is making sure you have all the supplies necessary to complete the job. Here is everything you’ll need to get rid of rust on your garage door from start to finish:
- Bucket
- Large Rag or Sponge
- White Vinegar
- Steel-Wool Pad
- Dish Soap
- Sanding Paper
- Auto Body Filler or Other Bonding Agent for Metal
- Primer Corrosion Inhibitor
- Paint Brush
- Metal Garage-Friendly Paint (Rust Resistant)
Thankfully, most of the supplies you’ll need are things around your home or can be found at your nearest hardware store.
How to Get Rid of Rust on Your Garage Door
Step 1: Fill your bucket with warm water, dish soap, and your rag or sponge.
Washing away any initial debris will make your next step go off with more ease. It can be easy for your garage door to accumulate dust, dirt, and debris over time, so getting that initial layer of grime off allows you to treat the rust head-on.
Step 2: Cover the affected area with white vinegar and scrub away at the rust with your steel wool pad.
The acid in the vinegar eats away at the corrosion and rust that affects the metal, making it easier to break down the rusted area with your steel wool pad. Make sure to scrub away every last piece of rust. If any rust remains it may continue the oxidation process, negating the repair.
Step 3: Fill in any holes in the door with an auto-body filler or another bonding agent designed for metal.
Do your best to evenly and thoroughly distribute the bonding agent evenly for a secure repair. Once the filler has dried, sand the area with fine-grit paper. For the most uniform look, proceed to sand the entire door.
Step 4: Thoroughly wash the door.
You want to make sure any dirt, dust, or debris is cleaned off of your garage door. It’s important to thoroughly clean the door before painting, as the paint won’t adhere well on a dirty surface and leave bumps.
Using a mixture of warm water and dish soap can work. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the garage door (you can use your hose) after the fact, then allow it to dry completely.
Step 5: Paint the garage door.
Prime and paint your garage door with rust-resistant paint that is designed for metal garage doors. Some garage door manufacturers even recommend specific paints to use.
Let Us Help
While we would love for this to work on all rust issues, this repair is only ideal for very small rust-affected areas. Most rust problems are beyond repair, as sealants have already faded and oxidation has begun. This shouldn’t stop you from revamping your home’s curb appeal. Amega professionals have been working with families to repair and replace their garage doors since 1986. Contact us today for help finding your perfect garage door and an estimate!